The United States Food and Drug Administration approved a new type of eyeglass lens for children in September. The lenses are designed to slow the progress of myopia, also called nearsightedness. Myopia makes distant objects difficult to see clearly and has become more common among children around the world. Doctors estimate that 30 to 40 percent of children in the United States develop myopia by the time they finish high school. Experts say this rise is linked to modern lifestyles, including spending more time indoors and using screens or reading for long periods.

In the past, most eyeglasses helped children see better but did not slow the condition itself. This caused concern because strong myopia can lead to serious eye problems later in life. These problems include damage to the retina and other eye diseases, which makes early treatment important. The approved lenses use a special design that changes how light enters the eye and reaches the retina. This design helps slow eye growth and reduce myopia progression. Studies reviewed by regulators showed positive results after two years of use. Although the lenses cost more than regular glasses, experts described the approval as an important step for child eye health.